Once you tweet it, you can’t take it back. But you can say you’re sorry.

Facing a growing storm over his outburst on Twitter yesterday, during which he called reporter Jennifer Ditchburn a bitch for writing about his poor attendance record, Tory Senator Patrick Brazeau issued a mea culpa.

“Just spoke with @jenditchburn this morning and apologized to her directly for my unprofessional comment,” tweeted the 37-year-old senator, best known for his long hair and spring boxing match against Liberal MP Justin Trudeau.

In her own tweet, Ms. Ditchburn said she accepted the “sincere, heartfelt apology.”

Just spoke with @jenditchburn this morning and apologized to her directly for my unprofessional comment.

Mr. Brazeau took to Twitter yesterday to attack the Canadian Press reporter, calling the story she wrote one-sided.

“Change the D to a B in your last name and we’re even!” Mr. Brazeau tweeted at Ms. Ditchburn.

“Don’t mean it but needs saying.”

Mr. Brazeau was absent for 25% of the 72 sittings between June 2011 and April 2012, the Senate attendance register shows. By the end of that period, the Quebecer was four days away from being fined, Ms. Ditchburn reported.

Mr. Brazeau blamed his absences on “personal matters” in the story, although he did not elaborate. Ms. Ditchburn defended herself on Twitter after he slung the insult, saying she called the senator’s office twice for comment, exchanged emails and published Mr. Brazeau’s comments verbatim.

@jenditchburn (2/2) I’m a hardworker and take my position seriously but personal issues always comes 1st. Ppl are sometimes in need. Sorry!

But despite Mr. Brazeau’s apology, he refused today to elaborate on the personal issues he says caused his absences.

Reached this morning, Mr. Brazeau’s executive assistant Lorraine Rochon said he would not further explain the reasons for his absence today.

“If it were elaboration on his professional career or positions, he would be glad to do so. But he will not on the personal side of things,” she said, adding that he is sticking to that decision despite the willingness of his peers to disclose their personal reasons for being away.

Ms. Johnson told the Canadian Press she is the sole caregiver for a terminally ill aunt — a duty that has kept her from some senate responsibilities.

Despite his apology, Canadians continued to hammer the senator with criticism on Twitter. Some even suggested he is the reason the government should abolish the senate, something the NDP supports.

Some called for Mr. Brazeau’s resignation. Others called him sexist. Much of the online backlash focused on the six figure salary Mr. Brazeau receives and the fact that he can retain his position as a senator for life.

Canadians on Twitter were aggravated they too couldn’t receive a full salary, despite failing to work 25% of the time.

.@thebrazman Sooo, in a nonprofessional context it would be OK to call her a bitch? Dude, you need to do some work here… #cdnpoli#sexist